Real-world learning looks different when students are given the chance to create, compete, and lead.

Through The Players League experience with Stay Plugged In, SparkNC scholars at SEA-Tech High School in New Hanover County Schools didn’t just play—they built. Over 10 lessons, they learned content creation fundamentals, collaborated on original commercials, and explored careers in media, marketing, and technology. And the results were real for Sea-Tech High School: 1st place in the Fortnite competition 3rd place in the STEM commercial competition One student, Nick Denison, earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 NFL Draft —becoming one of the youngest finalists in the competition’s history. The experience included travel for him and his mother, giving him the opportunity to attend the draft, connect with industry professionals, and experience the event on a national stage. ✨ But the biggest win wasn’t the awards. It was watching students step into roles as creators, teammates, and leaders—many for the first time. This experience built confidence, sparked new interests, and showed what’s possible when students are given access to meaningful, real-world opportunities. This is what SparkNC is all about. ✨